A bright and healthy smile is the best accessory you can wear!

Dubai, March 2019 - Faisal Holding the pioneering investment holding company with over 44 years of widespread presence in the Middle East, expands its horizons by signing a joint venture with Spanish giant, Asisa Group. The project is named Faisal Holding Asisa Dental Network, which will be operational in Dubai & Abu Dhabi and soon across the UAE. The joint venture will cater to the local and expat residents of the emirates, it would offer an international dental network clinic focusing on quality, integrity and world-class service. Faisal Holding was established by H.E. Sheikh Faisal Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, in Sharjah, and as a step to consolidate the various business that originated in 1975. Coupled with its specialization in construction related developments and large-scale projects along with its keen understanding of the global market, over the years, Faisal Holding has expanded into property and real estate management, investments, retail, hospitality, integrated marketing services, and the healthcare sector. Asisa Group is the largest medical corporation in Spain with over 40 years of market presence and was listed as the world’s 4th top Group. Asisa Group has created one of Europe’s largest dental networks of solely owned clinics – Asisa Dental. Asisa Dental prides itself on maintaining patient satisfaction as its top priority along with the integration of the highest quality treatments across all its medical procedures. The proven track record of more than 20 years of patient satisfaction, further reinforces Asisa Dental’s continued success in the dental industry. H.E. Sheikh Khalid Bin Faisal Bin Sultan Al Qassim -Vice Chairman- Faisal Holding & Chairman with Faisal Holding Dental Network, expressed his enthusiasm by highlighting, “Faisal Holding’s investment in healthcare and joint venture with the Asisa Group’s dental care specialists, Asisa Dental, will provide quality international dental care services that are world-class. This offering will set a benchmark for the Dental industry in the UAE, with an aim to give our local community and expat residents consistent dental care across our network of clinics that we will launch in the various emirates of the UAE.” Mr. Brett Schafer Chief Executive Officer - Faisal Holding & Director- Faisal Holding Dental Network commented, “Our research and development team have studied the markets and have identified the gaps in the healthcare industry. With our UAE market know-how and along with Asisa’s expertise in dentalcare, the joint venture will guarantee quality dental care which sets us apart from existing dental services. This is the first international dental network which will be launched in the UAE market. Mr. Alvaro Martinez- Arroyo Lopez Director & General Manager - Asisa Middle East & Corporate Development Director for Asisa Group – (Worldwide) said,” This joint venture between Faisal Holding and Asisa Group named Faisal Holding Asisa Dental Network is a union of international dental expertise with local pioneers. Together we offer premium quality, high-class treatments and services. It is our motto to provide to the UAE residents the same international treatment and services across all our clinics, through our specialised and carefully selected doctors.” The clinics will be operational in a couple of months, where the networks brand name will also be revealed.

Daily physical exercise is beneficially related to dental health. In recent years, several scientific studies have been published that show how certain diseases of the oral cavity influence the body's general responses. Thus, for example, periodontal disease is related to a decrease in aerobic capacity, balance and motor coordination. On the other hand, people who practice sports regularly have much lower inflammatory markers than those who do not, which shows us that sport can protect us from an excessive inflammatory response in periodontal diseases. The relationship between obesity, good physical health and periodontitis has also been analyzed, concluding that people with a low body mass index and higher oxygen consumption during exercise (aerobic exercises) have better periodontal health. Obesity has also been shown to be a risk factor in periodontal disease. In addition, oral problems can cause a decrease in performance at the sports level, for example by decreasing respiratory capacity and that the severity of periodontal disease is directly related to the reduction of muscle strength, recovery, and neuromuscular coordination, causing in some cases inflammatory problems such as tendinitis, arthritis ... that limit the athlete, especially when associated with pain and functional limitation. Other oral disorders that can minimize sports performance are, for example, malocclusion producing alterations in balance, jaw tension, related to neck and back pain, or bad chewing that can cause a decrease in the energy power of the athlete. Article by Dr. Miguel A. de Mingo

Halitosis, also known as bad breath, is defined as the set of unpleasant odors that are emitted by the mouth. It is a problem that affects one in two people. It is considered a social problem related to poor oral hygiene or diseases of the oral cavity, although sometimes it can be a manifestation of some other pathology. HOW TO AVOID BAD BREATH Some simple steps significantly improve cases of bad breath, most of them caused by oral problems. Check out the daily steps that will help you keep your breath fresher. CARE OF ORAL HYGIENE To prevent bad breath, first you must treat its causes, especially when it comes to daily hygiene: - Brush your teeth after every meal. - Use dental floss. - Use a daily mouthwash. Many bacteria are fought by brushing the back of the tongue, where the taste buds, inner cheeks and palate are best seen. Using a mouthwash as part of your daily routine will help eliminate many of the bacteria that cause bad breath, even where a toothbrush can't reach. THE ROLE OF SALIVA IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BAD BREATH Saliva helps to eliminate bad smells from the mouth. Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, and fiber-rich foods, such as some vegetables, stimulate saliva production. Chewing sugarless mint-flavored gum or sucking on candy can mask bad smells by its taste and stimulate saliva production. However, once you get rid of them, the bad breath will return. PREVENTS DRY MOUTH Bad breath can be reduced by limiting the elements that cause reduced salivary flow and dry the mouth: - Breathe through the nose and not just the mouth DENTAL TREATMENT At a general level, the treatment protocols contemplate the performance of a professional dental cleaning and oral hygiene instructions ranging from a correct brushing and interproximal cleaning, to a complete cleaning of the tongue (with a lingual cleaner accompanied by a mouthwash performing gargle to reach the back of the lingual dorsum). Mamen Ayora (Coordinator Asisa Dental Almería)

The accelerated rhythm of life and the daily worries produce a level of stress from which very few manage to escape, and which has a negative influence on our oral health. BRUXISM One of the most characteristic symptoms of stress is the clenching or grinding of teeth: "bruxism". This problem is very frequent, more and more, and has consequences such as: joint pain (TMJ), dental pain, retraction of the gums and bone that attach to the teeth, wear and even dental fractures. The professionals in charge of treating bruxism are specialists in TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint).) CARIES AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE In addition, with stress there is a decrease in the flow of saliva in the mouth, which decreases our defenses against cavities and gum problems (periodontal disease). This is further aggravated when anxiety causes us to take medications to reduce it (tranquilizers, anxiolytics), which also decrease saliva levels. The specialists in treating gum problems are periodontists and dentists specializing in conservative therapies and prostheses are responsible for rehabilitating the consequences of cavities, wear and even loss of teeth. HARMFUL LIVING HABITS Finally, we must not forget that stress is often associated with unhealthy habits such as: poor nutrition, abuse of toxic substances (tobacco, alcohol ...), or even very aggressive toothbrushing, all with harmful consequences for our oral health. SOLUTIONS Therefore, we must try to reduce as much as possible the impact of stress: practice a sport, have a good diet, respect the hours of sleep, perform activities that bring us welfare (yoga, meditation) or cultivate hobbies that make us channel our energy. Also go to appropriate specialists when we cannot control our own level of stress (doctors, psychologists ...). DENTAL TREATMENTS FOR PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM STRESS In addition, when its consequences have already manifested in our mouth, it is very important to go to the dentist to assess the degree of affectation we suffer and offer solutions. At Asisa Dental we have a large team of specialized and coordinated professionals who will provide treatments such as relaxation splints, periodontal treatments for the gums and fillings or crowns of different materials to rehabilitate lost hard tissues.  Even in the case of loss of teeth we can replace them with titanium implants.  Dr. Teresa Vizuete Moya

Do you know that our clinics are certified according to the guidelines of an international standard called UNE-EN ISO 9001 that applies to quality management systems? What does this mean? It means that we provide and control the means and resources necessary to offer excellent quality in the provision of our services promoting the process of continuous improvement. Reception at one of our clinics in Alicante Surely you have ever entered a dental clinic for the first time and while waiting in the waiting room you are attentive to everything that happens around you, from the comfort of the waiting room, how the staff is dressed, the image of the clinic, how the staff is directed to the patients...etc. These little details to which we pay attention make us have a first positive or negative impression of what we are seeing. Waiting rooms in Clinic Asisa Dental Elche Well, in our clinics we want to take maximum care of these first impressions and our patients feel comfortable and safe from the outset, which is why we bet on changing the image of Asisa Dental clinics adapting them to the needs of our patients and providing them with the best equipment in cabinets (dental chairs, and instrumentation), sterilization rooms and X-ray rooms. Waiting rooms for children and adults at Clinic Asisa Dental Alicante Asisa Dental Clinic Cabinet Barcelona Our daily work is to ensure the quality of care for our patients by our team of dentists, assistants, receptionists and coordinators, we want the relationship with patients to be as safe, reliable and satisfactory. We are committed to the training and retraining of our professionals to improve the quality of the treatments carried out. *We invest effort in complying with the requirements of standards and legal in health centers, in the maintenance and care of equipment and infrastructures, in the monitoring and evaluation of our suppliers and in establishing the appropriate safety controls in the sterilization and management processes of the clinics. Ray Room at Asisa Dental *We listen to you. We want patients to feel listened to and be the promoters of our improvements and excellence in the quality of our services. To support their needs, we have a team of professionals who are part of the Department of Patient Care. Quality is our priority and we don't want you to lose your smile, we are waiting for you at ASISA DENTAL. Article by: Responsible for Quality at Asisa Dental

We are increasingly aware of oral health from very early ages, however for different reasons may appear certain cavities in milk teeth, let's see the main reasons, how to detect them and see what to do with them. A child does not have to have cavities, as we have said before can sometimes appear, can be for different reasons, let's see some, so we can avoid bad habits or correct them. Inadequate hygiene: At certain ages brushing can be a bit of a hassle, and doing so can be hard work, it is advisable for the adult to make the child see that brushing can be fun (inventing some animated story) or even do it at the same time. It is important to check the final brushing. Food rich in sugars: A diet with excess sugars such as sweets, pastries, soft drinks, juices, etc. can increase the risk of tooth decay in baby teeth. Poor Enamel, genetic predisposition: In this case, it is not because of a bad habit, it is something that the child suffers, and it will be easier for caries to appear, the only thing we can do is to be more alert, avoid the previous point of the diet as much as possible and have a more exhaustive hygiene control. What to do if we have a cavity in a baby tooth. When we have a milk cavity IF we must fill it. Children must be treated for cavities and avoid infections, bruises and pains. We cannot leave the damaged piece, it is a focus of infection that can have repercussions, it can even affect the permanent piece that will have a very important function tomorrow. Baby teeth have several functions: Chewing, aesthetic and serves as a guide for the eruption of the final denture. If we lose milk teeth prematurely, the spaces close and the adequate eruption of the definitive teeth is altered, the teeth appear later in an incorrect position or they can even be retained inside the maxillary bone, as there is no space for them to come out. For this reason, I would like to emphasize modifying as much as possible the diet rich in sugars, have an exhaustive brushing, reviewed by an adult, and make periodic check-ups with your trusted Pediatric Dentist. In Asisa Dental our Odontopediatras oversee taking care and curing the smiles of the smallest of the house, in a close, affectionate and amusing way, until the moment of the Tooth Fairy.

What is a dental implant? It is a titanium "screw", which is inserted into the jaw bone or maxilla whose purpose is the replacement of one or more missing teeth. It is presented as an alternative to conventional prostheses, either fixed on teeth (bridges and crowns) or removable. Parts of a dental implant.CrownPillarImplant Intervention planning Before doing this type of intervention, the dentist must be informed of all health problems and allergies. If the patient is not sure, it is best to perform appropriate tests to see if it is necessary to seek alternative dental treatment in the event of detection of any contraindication of this technique. To plan the surgery, the dentist will need to see a CT scan that is performed for seeing the quantity and quality of bone to fix the position of the nerve, other anatomical structures and to establish the length, diameter and direction of placement of the implant. Placement of the implants. There are several techniques - Conventional: in which a cut is made in the gum to access the bone and fix the implants to it by means of a bed or artificial alveolus drills. - Transmucosa: in which the step of making a cut in the gum is skipped. It can only be carried out in specific cases, with wide osseous rims. - Postextraction: in which the implant is placed immediately after tooth extraction, using the alveolus itself as the implant bed. It is a technique that must be foreseen, and it is not always possible to perform. The procedure is usually carried out in two phases, a first one in which the implants are placed, and a second one (after a variable time depending on each case), when the implants are integrated with the bone, in which the prosthetic attachments that will replace the teeth are placed. In some cases, previously determined, the procedure can be carried out in a single phase, the implant and the dental crown being placed at the same time. This type of treatment requires a good quality and quantity of bone, so it is not always possible, are called immediate loading implants. Advantages of dental implants. They provide a fixed alternative, in most cases, to replace one, several or all the teeth in an arch. It keeps the adjacent teeth intact, preventing them from being carved for the placement of bridges. Prevents bone reabsorption that occurs automatically to the loss of a tooth. Prevents the mobility of adjacent teeth and antagonists after dental absence. Come visit us at Asisa Dental and solve your problems of dental absence with the best quality. An article by: Dr. Míguez and Dr. Barrio

Thanks to the dental x-rays we can see in detail, in areas where the visual exploration does not reach, if we have caries, the state of our bone or other alterations that require treatment or observation by the dentist. Development Digital dental radiography is a fundamental diagnostic technique for our dentists as it allows them to make a more accurate diagnosis by detecting possible problems that the patient may have in the mouth and that in a first visual examination have not been visible. In a first visit, the dentist may order several x-rays to determine the current situation of your oral health and assess possible changes that may occur later. In successive check-ups, new x-rays may be necessary to detect new caries, assess the state of the gums or even check the growth and development of the jaws. TYPES OF X-RAYS We must differentiate several types of dental x-rays available at the service of the dentist depending on the area or problem you want to evaluate: -Panoramic radiography (orthopantomography): this is a general radiography of the entire mouth of the patient in which we can observe the state of the jaws and teeth. -Periapical radiography: it is a more specific radiography of a specific area. With it we can see the state of two or three pieces, in detail, observing from the root to the crown. -Interproximal radiography: also known as "bite fin", it allows us to see in detail the points of contact between the molars and premolars. -Lateral radiography: also known as "telerradiography", is less used, but no less important, especially if we speak of orthodontics, as it serves to evaluate the relationship between the jaws and skull, as well as possible deviations of the bite. -Dental CT: which will show us a three-dimensional image of the mouth, as well as a large amount of detailed information thanks to the computer advances available to these machines. RADIATION PROTECTION The new models of radiological devices we have are designed to limit our body's exposure to radiation, and we take every precaution to keep exposure as low as possible. For this purpose, in our clinics, we have plumb aprons for adults and children that minimize exposure of the abdomen, and thyroid protectors to protect the thyroid gland. In cases in which the patient is pregnant, she must inform the dentist, who will assess the pros and cons of performing the radiological study, and if it is done, we will proceed using all available means of protection. CONCLUSION. The dentist will tell us when and what type of x-ray we will need each, so we must rely on the indications of our professionals. Nowadays the radiological apparatuses that we have in Asisa Dental are digital and of last generation, in addition we use all the methods of radiological protection, reason why we do not have to fear its use since the radiations received are going to be minimum. Jesús Castillo de Miguel, Coordinator a clinic of Asisa Dental

The United Arab Emirates, April 14th 2019- A delegation from Faisal Holding, the pioneering investment holding company with over 44 years of widespread presence in the Middle East reputed for its business acumen, recently visited Asisa Group headquarters in Spain. The visit looked to strengthen business opportunities between the two companies and introduced Faisal Holding to various health care companies within the Asisa Group. The delegation examined other health care related opportunities, had discussions on the latest contributions to the dental industry and visited various dental clinics, and the prosthetic lab- Dotlab. The visit was also an occasion for Faisal Holding’s delegation to meet with Asisa’s Group Chairman, Dr. Francisco Ivorra, and the extended team of both Asisa Group and Asisa Dental Network. During the private lunch, Dr. Francisco Ivorra shared Asisa’s long-standing practice in providing professional and high-quality services to patients. Discussion highlights ensued Asisa Dental’s 4th position globally, how it succeeded in becoming the largest medical corporation in Spain, and the group’s continuous success over 40 years of market presence. H.E. Sheikh Khalid Bin Faisal Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Vice Chairman Faisal Holding, commented by saying, “It was indeed a great pleasure meeting Dr. Francisco Ivorra. The visit gave us the opportunity to highlight the importance of a long-term vision for our endeavor. The visit further enhanced our professional relationship and opened avenues that will explore possible future ventures between Faisal Holding and other affiliates of the Asisa Group.” Commenting on the visit, Dr. Francisco Ivorra, Chairman -Asisa Group, said “I am very pleased to have received H.E. Sheikh Khalid Bin Faisal Bin Sultan Al Qassimi and the Faisal Holding delegation in our headquarters. We have the privilege to welcome them in our clinics, to highlight our legacy and explore together the way forward. The visit allowed us to showcase our practices and operations and discuss our common foresight for growing the healthcare industry in the UAE.”

Dr. Rios explains in this post how a bad dental occlusion can be the cause of a constant headache. "Every day I see patients who present this alteration. Many are referred from other specialists because they began their journey in the family doctor who referred them to the neurologist, who in turn referred them to the neurophysiologist, from here they went to the otolaryngologist and even to the cardiologist or traumatologist, until someone diagnosed them with Orofacial Pain Syndrome, a Costen Syndrome, a Temporomandibular Dysfunction Syndrome, a TMJ Pathology or any of the other different collars for the same dog...". Without getting into further discussions, I'll stick with Orofacial Pain Syndrome (ODS). It is nothing more than arthritis or osteoarthritis (depending on the degree) that is complicated by myofascial (muscular) pain. Let's take an easy example: if I injure my knee, I won't be able to walk well. In fact, I will probably overload the other leg more so as not to force my damaged joint. It also seems logical that, if I don't walk well, my hip can suffer some displacement to adapt to my new position, and with it also my back. In the end I will suffer contractures and pains in the back, waist and the other leg if I do not remedy the injured knee. This is something that any physiotherapist or osteopath will be able to talk to us about for a long time... And all this because of having broken the postural balance due to not walking properly! Well, now it's time to explain how the mouth joint, called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), works. Imagine a door with its frame and two hinges. The door, when it closes, must fit perfectly into its frame. If it doesn't, it can happen that it crashes and doesn't close, dislodging the hinges if we force it, or that it does the forced closing rubbing the frame and wearing it out. So basically, this is how the ATM works, as a door with two hinges (which would be the jaw), and if closing does not fit well with its frame (the upper jaw) will cause wear on the teeth and crowding or will dislodge the joint. Faced with these disorders, the joint is not completely defenseless, but has mechanisms to protect itself. These mechanisms are diverse, but the main one is based on muscular protection. The musculature will change and adapt to the new situation trying to keep the joint in place, which causes an overwork muscle, responsible for fatigue and muscle contractures that are those that hurt. This is known as myofascial pain. And this is where the dentist comes in, who treats this problem by rehabilitating the occlusion (the fitting of the door into the frame). This can be done through orthodontics, prosthetics, selective carving or by making a discharge splint.  As a final note, I must say that all this is much more complex and often requires the collaboration of other specialties such as maxillofacial surgery, physiotherapy, psychiatry, speech therapy ... The truth is that in the end the success of this treatment is in the teamwork.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial disease caused mainly by plaque and tartar. There is also a genetic component and smoking masks and potentiates the disease, its prevalence being 80%. Diabetes is considered a metabolic disorder, caused by absolute deficiency in the production of insulin in type I diabetes or by a resistance created to insulin or by the reduction of insulin in type II diabetes. Its prevalence is close to 15% and has increased in recent years. The relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes is bidirectional periodontal disease increases blood glucose levels, causing a greater risk of suffering complications associated with diabetes, such as ocular, renal, vascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, etc., and at the same time, diabetes causes periodontal disease to appear earlier, be more severe and progress faster. The diabetic has three times more risk of suffering periodontitis, in addition to greater risk of oral infections, dry mouth, enlargement of salivary glands or alterations in the perception of taste among others. Why is periodontal disease a risk factor in diabetes? Because inflammation and local infection, caused by periodontal disease, has systemic effects, increased blood sugar concentration, inhibition of the action of insulin or increased levels of other hormones that are hyperglycemic. Why does diabetes worsen oral health? Diabetes generates a greater inflammatory response, causing the loss of tooth support, altering the ability to heal and repair tissue. The treatment and control of periodontal disease causes blood glucose levels to decrease, so do the complications of diabetes. Therefore, the dentist plays a very important role in the detection of undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes and in its control. At Asisa Dental we can help you manage and treat the difficulties that diabetes can cause for your oral health. Come and visit us! Article by Miguel Angel de Mingo

During pregnancy hormonal changes can have effects on the gums and teeth, so at this stage, we must take special care with our oral health. The secretion of hormones such as estrogen increases 30 times more than normal and progesterone 10, compared to what happens in the normal sexual cycle of women. In the second month of gestation the inflammatory symptoms and signs begin, which are maintained or increased during the second trimester, peak at the eighth month, descend during the last month, and remit after childbirth. The most frequent and marked changes lie on the gingival tissue (gums), giving rise to the so-called pregnancy gingivitis, a condition characterized by an enlarged gum, red and bleeding easily; also, the granuloma of pregnancy (approximately 1 in 10 pregnant women with gingivitis suffers this disease), which is another alteration of gingival tissue in the presence of local irritants. Despite all these vascular changes, plaque remains the fundamental factor in the development of gingivitis. Dental plaque is an accumulation of microorganisms that adhere to the walls of the teeth, and that survive by feeding on the substrates they find in the mouth and when they persist they cause caries, gingivitis or periodontal diseases. Multiple scientific evidence indicates that poor hygiene before and during pregnancy is the main predisposing factor to the above-mentioned pathologies. Studies suggest that up to 18% of preterm births can be justified by the presence of periodontal disease and it is considered that between 30% and 50% of these are caused by infections. On the other hand, pre-eclampsia (the joint appearance of arterial hypertension and proteins in the urine) is one of the main causes of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. In Spain, this relationship is considered to exist between 1% and 2% of pregnancies. Women with periodontal disease have 5 times more risk of suffering preeclampsia during pregnancy than women who are healthy gingivally, 4 to 7% of suffering a premature birth and is one of the main causes of births weighing less than 2.5 kg. Therefore, we must know that the best treatment for gum problems, as well as the greater presence of caries, is preventive treatment. Although these physiological changes occur in all pregnant women, not all of them have the alterations described. This is due, in part, to the individual genetic predisposition to suffer or not certain diseases, as well as to the oral hygiene carried out daily by each of the pregnant women. FAQS: - DURING PREGNANCY, DOES THE BABY STEAL THE MOTHER'S CALCIUM AND LOSE TEETH DUE TO THE DECALCIFICATION? The first thing is to understand that the teeth are attached to the jaw bone (mandible) by the periodontal ligament, which is responsible for holding the tooth inside the gum. The organism in the state of gestation produces a hormone called relaxin, whose function is to relax the joints of the pregnant woman to facilitate childbirth. Some studies suggest that this hormone can also act in the periodontal ligament causing a slight dental mobility that facilitates the entry of food debris and that the plaque dentobacterial is deposited between the gum and the tooth, causing inflammation of these. This dental mobility caused by this reason does not cause loss of dental insertion, and does not require treatment, remitting in the postpartum. Pregnancy does not cause bone loss. The total amounts of calcium and phosphorus needed by the fetus during pregnancy represent only 1/50 of the amount present in the maternal bones. Therefore, the maternal organism suffers very little in this respect. Virtually everywhere in the world, there is a mistaken belief that pregnancy costs a pregnant woman a tooth or more because the baby steals the mother's calcium. What we can affirm is that during the state of gestation there are changes in the oral tissues and changes of habits that can initiate oral diseases or aggravate the existing ones, increasing the carious activity, nevertheless, studies carried out have demonstrated that, unlike the skeleton, in this state there is no demineralization of the teeth. The enamel has a very slow mineral exchange, so it keeps its mineral content all its life. Much of what happens in the enamel takes place by replacement of minerals with those of saliva and not by decreased calcium. In this sense, it is stated that calcium is not extracted from dental tissue, even though the requirements of this element are increased by 33 % in comparison with non-pregnant women. - "DO WE HAVE A GREATER PREDISPOSITION TO TOOTH DECAY?" The first stage in the development of caries is plaque, which as we have said is inhabited by many bacteria that feed on carbohydrates or sugars found in our mouth, and from here produce acids, particularly lactic acid and proteolytic enzymes. Acids are the main cause of tooth decay. Each time sugar is ingested, the acids attack the tooth enamel for approximately 20 minutes, so the acid attack is proportional to the time there is sugar, which explains that it is the frequency and not the amount of sugar ingested that causes tooth decay. If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, we advise exceptionally, chewing sugar-free gum, to neutralize the acids. Brushing is irreplaceable for daily hygiene. During gestation, women are more vulnerable to dental caries. Changes in salivary production, oral flora, diet, among others, are factors capable of producing it. During this period, the salivary composition is altered, the salivary pH decreases and the ability to regulate the acids produced by bacteria, which makes the oral environment favorable for the development of these. On the other hand, we cannot ignore that, during this stage, some women modify their eating habits (sweet food cravings) and lifestyles (deficiency of brushing due to the nausea produced by the practice of this habit), all of which contributes to the accumulation of dentobacterial plaque adhered to the surface of the tooth. With all these factors interacting with each other, the dental caries succeeds in establishing itself, and in some cases produces dental mortality the infection reaches the dental nerve, we feel pain and we must endodontize the piece. "DOES VOMITING DURING PREGNANCY DAMAGE TEETH?" Excessive vomiting (due to morning sickness), as well as gastric acids, can cause dental erosion, lead to a loss of minerals from the teeth and encourage tooth decay. The gums can also be affected. The dentist should be informed of this phenomenon by applying fluoride to the teeth or recommending a fluoride paste and mouthwash to prevent this problem. We recommend that as soon as you vomit, do not brush your teeth, as we will drag the remains of acid throughout the mouth, favoring dental wear. It is best to rinse your mouth well after vomiting to remove any remaining acid. "WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUFFER FROM DENTAL DISEASE DURING PREGNANCY? Dental treatment during the first and third trimesters should be kept to a minimum. They are trimesters where it is recommended to go to the dentist to control the plaque and the general state of the mouth. The second trimester of pregnancy is the safest time to provide regular dental care. The most important thing is to avoid active disease. The elimination of any focus of infection should be done before the pregnancy itself, whenever possible, but if it should arise, it should be addressed with appropriate measures in any period of pregnancy. If tooth decay is established, curative treatment is required, which should not only be seen from the maternal point of view, but also from the consequences it may have for the future baby. A study in Finland showed that those mothers who received treatment for dental caries during pregnancy, unlike those who received no treatment, had children with low incidence of dental caries during the temporary dentition. This result demonstrates that dental treatment during pregnancy can affect the development of caries in the child's temporary dentition, possibly by transmission of immune mechanisms through the placental canal. - IS IT SAFE TO HAVE DENTAL TREATMENT UNDER ANESTHESIA?". Lidocaine (anesthesia used in dental treatment) is safe for both you and your baby. An August 2015 study in the ADA Journal followed a group of pregnant women who had interventions using anesthesia such as lidocaine injections and a group who did not. According to the study, these treatments are safe because they make no difference in the rate of miscarriage, birth defects, prematurity or weight of the baby. "Our study did not identify any evidence that dental treatment with anesthesia is harmful in pregnancy," stated study author Dr. Hagai. "Our goal was to determine if there was a significant risk associated with anesthesia treatment and pregnancy outcomes. We found no such risk. -IS CHLORHEXIDINE SAFE FOR THE TREATMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE/GINGIVITIS?". Medication use during pregnancy should be fully controlled by the referring physician. Specifically, the use of chlorhexidine in any of its forms (paste, gel or rinse) is completely safe and can be used during pregnancy if necessary. It does not have synthetic absorption and its antibacterial effects will be restricted to the mouth. -ARE INTRA-ORAL X-RAYS SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?" Yes, dental x-rays are safe during pregnancy. Routine check-up x-rays should be avoided during pregnancy. However, in the event of a dental emergency they may be necessary, with due protection. Dental x-rays are not contraindicated in pregnancy, because the radiation that is exposed to the fetus is minimal. Therefore, there is no risk of teratogenesis (congenital defect during gestation) due to exposure to this type of x-ray. Your dentist or hygienist will cover you with a protective apron that minimizes exposure of the abdomen. For this reason, it is extremely important that before taking the x-ray it is stated that you are pregnant so that all the necessary precautions are taken, since x-rays will only be taken when it is extremely necessary. In all patients, and especially in pregnant patients, the indication of the x-ray is done considering the risk of exposure and considering the benefit it can have to facilitate the diagnosis. "WHEN DO I START BRUSHING MY BABY'S TEETH? Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste is recommended at least twice a day from the first tooth eruption. In children under 2 years with a toothpaste of 1,000 ppm (parts per million) of fluoride "scraped" onto the brush, i.e. the total amount of toothpaste should be the size of a grain of rice. Between 2-6 years, paste 1000-1450 ppm and the amount the size of a pea. Above 6 years, paste with 1,450 ppm of fluorine and the amount of 1 - 2 cm on the brush. The mouthwashes from 6 years, by risk that they ingest it. They must spit it out completely. From this age, the first visit to the pediatric dentist is recommended, since, from this age, they begin to change the milk teeth for the definitive ones. In any case, whenever you notice oral lesions, cavities in baby teeth or you have doubts about how to take care of your child's oral health, do not wait until you are 6 years old, go to your pediatrician. CONCLUSIONS ABOUT ORAL CARE IN PREGNANCY: The most important goal is to establish a healthy oral environment and achieve the highest level of oral hygiene. All gestational women are prone to changes in their bodies, but this does not mean that all of them have the alterations described here implicitly. A good control of the brushing together with an increasing care of the oral hygiene, diet, and the periodic oral examination, will contribute to diminish or to control these alterations, reason why we can conclude that the state of gestation modifies the buccal conditions and affects of this form in the buccal health, and that the tooth, the periodontal tissues and the buccal mucosa are the direct targets that can be affected by this motive. The most important thing to prevent caries and gingivitis is to carry out a meticulous tooth brushing with fluoride paste at least twice a day and to carry out interdental hygiene at least once a day. In women with a greater predisposition to caries and gum disease, a fluoride mouthwash and antimicrobial agents should be used. We recommend a minimum of one visit to your dentist during your pregnancy who will control the plaque to minimize gum irritation. The elimination of tartar, oral cleaning, the application of fluoride to prevent cavities and root scraping and smoothing is recommended and can be done when necessary.

The eternal dilemma for many fathers and mothers What can our children have as a snack? How can we know what is nutritive and healthy? The basic components for a Healthy Breakfast are: 1.Milk: Milk helps children grow and be stronger. Children can take 2 to 4 dairy products a day depending on their age, although milk and yogurt are mostly recommended. We should also reduce those dairy products rich in saturated fat. 2.Cereals: These produce most energy. They can be delivered in a sandwich. Molded bread - and especially bread without edges - is a processed food and due to its nutritional profile, it is less recommended than traditional bread. In addition, if they have never taken integral carbohydrates it is advisable to get children used to these during the snack. In this way, cholesterol and triglyceride levels will be improved and the risk of diabetes is reduced. 3.Fruits: They should be consumed whole and raw, to make the most of their fiber, vitamins and minerals. Natural fruit juices are also recommended - although to a lesser extent than whole fruits due to their high sugar content - and it would be better to avoid packaged juices. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO EDUCATE CHILDREN ABOUT ORAL HEALTH? There are three fundamental reasons why it is important to educate children about Oral Health: 1.- Cavities and gingivitis (inflammation of the gum) are the most common oral diseases affecting schoolchildren. 2.- Cavities and gingivitis can affect even young children. 3.-Tooth decay and gingivitis can be prevented or controlled to a large extent by brushing with fluoride toothpaste (from the age of 6) and modifying dietary habits. By promoting proper hygienic and dietary habits in children we can reduce tooth decay and gum disease: 1. Brush teeth and gums with fluoride toothpaste after each meal, and always at night before going to bed. 2. Reduce the frequency and amount of sugars in foods and beverages. 3. Visit the dentist twice a year to detect early signs of oral disease. 4.In occasions during the dental eruption of the minors it is usual to appear bleeding and gingival inflammation, it is important to go to the dentist and not to be alarmed. Article by: Coordinator of Asisa Dental Almería

Nowadays aesthetics has become a fundamental factor when developing our social and professional activity, as well as a very important ingredient to cultivate our self-esteem. Within these considerations, we cannot ignore the protagonist of a beautiful smile, which can be our best letter of introduction to others and a source of well-being with ourselves. A pleasant smile is a sign of physical and emotional health. THE DENTIST AS A PROFESSIONAL OF DENTAL AESTHETICS First, the dentist is the one who can assess whether we have good oral health and, if not, can advise us on the solutions to achieve it. Secondly, he is the one who can propose appropriate treatments in our case to improve the appearance of our smile. It is important to know that without a healthy mouth we will not be able to enjoy a beautiful mouth, so it is the dentist who should oversee the DENTAL AESTHETICS. Nowadays Aesthetic Dentistry has become a speciality, but it is also closely related to other specialities of Dentistry such as Orthodontics, Periodontics, Dental Prosthesis, Conservative Dentistry, etc. TEETH WHITENING The aesthetic treatment par excellence in dentistry is dental whitening. It is essential to have an attractive smile that the teeth have a clear shade and natural appearance. The dentist has increasingly sophisticated means to measure the color of the patient's teeth and get with their treatments clarify it. It is desirable for the dentist to assess the age, skin color, previous dental treatments and that the result is in accordance with all this, avoiding too artificial colors. Normally, gel products such as Carbamide Peroxide or Hydrogen Peroxide are used in different concentrations. The application of these chemical agents can be done in consultation by the professional or at home by the patient (always following the instructions of your dentist). Sometimes physical agents such as ultraviolet light is also applied. The duration and type of whitening used should be determined by a dentist depending on each patient. It is not advisable, and can be dangerous for oral health, to perform dental whitening without the supervision of a dentist and/or with products whose suitability is not endorsed by health agencies (e.g. products purchased online or in perfumeries, etc.). Without these guarantees, we could cause dental sensitivity problems or abrasions in the dental enamel. ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS Orthodontic treatments consist of using fixed or removable appliances to place the teeth in an appropriate position to achieve better occlusion (gearing of the pieces) and aesthetics. Nowadays orthodontic treatments can be carried out at any age, also in adults and very discreetly aesthetically (invisible orthodontics INVISALIGN type, lingual orthodontics, porcelain braces ...). Our orthodontist can contribute in a very effective way to obtain a harmonic smile from the functional and aesthetic point of view. PERIODONTAL TREATMENTS The health of our gums and the way in which our smile shows more or less of it is an aesthetic factor of the first order. On many occasions, before undertaking other types of dental aesthetic treatments, it is necessary to be previously treated by a gum specialist (periodontist). It is important to start from healthy gums and sometimes even perform a "gingival contouring" so that the treatments we do later on the teeth have an optimal aesthetic result. DENTAL VENEERS Dental veneers are another of the classic treatments of Aesthetic Dentistry and their results are spectacular in many cases, being also in general quite conservative treatments with dental tissue. They consist of fixing on the external face of the tooth a thin sheet of material with the desired shape and color, giving the same the desired appearance. There are two types of materials for veneers: composite and porcelain. In each case the dentist will advise us which is best for our situation. Each material has its specific technique, its advantages and disadvantages. PORCELAIN CROWNS There are times when the changes to be made to a smile are very deep or must be made more quickly, so it is worth "carving" the teeth to place crowns made entirely of porcelain. Nowadays, porcelains achieve very high levels of quality, resistance and aesthetics, imitating better and better the enamel of the natural tooth. The aesthetic crowns par excellence is those of LITIUM DISILIQUATE (e.g. "crowns e.max"). These highly aesthetic treatments must be carried out by an expert professional who makes a correct assessment of the type of carving to be carried out, the number of crowns to be placed, the type of occlusion of the patient, etc... CONCLUSION In short, we will say that nowadays we can all aspire to have an attractive mouth and that the dentist is our best ally to successfully achieve this goal, which can make us feel better about ourselves and offer others the best gift: our smile. At Asisa Dental we offer you all these treatments so that you never stop smiling. Come to make your first visit for free and start your big change! Medical Direction Menéndez Pelayo and Edgar Neville Clinics

ORAL HEALTH IN PEOPLE OVER 60 YEARS OF AGE. The passage of time leaves its mark on the body, including the teeth and gums. As you get older, it is very important to take care of your teeth and oral health. The idea we have is that it is inevitable that teeth are lost, but it is not true, if cared for properly and with the help of your dentist, teeth can last a lifetime. How do I maintain good oral health if I'm 60 or older? With proper home care and regular dental checkups, teeth can last a lifetime. Regardless of your age, keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing at least twice a day, floss daily, and visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. Factors that affect this age. - Inadequate diet - Poor oral hygiene - Systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and some medications can cause reduced salivary flow. This increases the risk of cavities and gingivitis. - Environmental factors such as stress and smoking The saliva essential for the prevention of caries and gingivitis Saliva plays a fundamental role in the protection against caries and gingivitis, to prevent the reduction of the salivary flow, it is recommended to drink a lot of water, chew sugar-free gum or, if you wear dental prosthesis, suck on sugar-free candies. Sensitivity. Sensitivity may worsen as you get older. The gums retract with time and poor brushing technique, exposing areas of the tooth that are not protected by the enamel. These areas are particularly prone to pain from hot or cold food or drinks. Consult the dentist, as sensitivity may indicate a more serious disorder, such as a cavity, tooth decay, or gum retraction. Do not hesitate to visit our facilities, in our clinics Asisa Dental can help you at this stage of your life and clarify all your doubts.

All our Asisa Dental clinics are a protected cardio space, which means that all of them have Semiautomatic External Defibrillators (AEDs). The AED is a portable electronic device whose function is to diagnose and treat cardiorespiratory arrest when it is due to ventricular fibrillation (when the heart has electrical activity, but no mechanical effectiveness) or a pulseless ventricular tachycardia (in which there is electrical activity and in this case the blood pumping is ineffective), thus restoring an effective heart rhythm electrically and mechanically. Defibrillation is based on the abrupt and brief application of a high voltage electric current to stop and reverse rapid cardiac arrhythmias. Recent studies tell us that in Spain around 100 people per day die from cardiac arrest and 80% of the cases take place outside the hospital environment. Performing cardiac massage and using AED within 5 minutes after cardiac arrest increases the chances of survival by up to 90%. Nowadays, these devices are being installed in crowded public places such as airports, shopping centers, sports centers, etc. In Asisa Dental we wanted to join this initiative by providing all clinics with defibrillators. The use of AED requires little training on the part of the person attending the emergency and can be easily used by non-health care personnel. All our clinic staff are trained in CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) and AED use, with annual refresher courses. To improve prognosis and care in the event of cardiac arrest, a series of actions are defined that are vital and form part of what is called the "chain of survival": 1- Recognizing cardiac arrest: in the presence of an unconscious person, it is necessary to check that he or she is breathing and responding to stimuli. If it does not do so, it is necessary to warn 112 indicating our exact location. 2- Initiate cardiac massage: place both hands in the center of the patient's sternum and make compressions downwards about 4 or 5 cm with the arms extended at right angles to the victim's body. Compressions should be rhythmic, regular and uninterrupted, with a cadence of 100 times per minute. Massage should be maintained until the victim regains consciousness or until medical assistance arrives. 3- Use of the defibrillator: all the devices have locutions that guide us in the steps to follow and are initiated when the device is opened. Briefly, what we should do seriously: - Discover the patient's chest and make sure that it is not wet, if this is the case, dry it beforehand. - Turn on the AED. - Place the adhesive patches guided by the illustrations that come in them. - Press the button so that the defibrillator performs the check (important currently not to touch the patient). - If DESA detects the need to apply the electric shock, press the discharge button. 4- Arrival of the specialized medical attention. In our clinics Asisa Dental you will feel cardio protected.

Many people have periodontal or gum problems and are unaware of their existence. It is a long illness, with few symptoms of pain. It is rarely seen in dental check-ups and is normally due to poor periodontal health. The gums should be pink, not bleeding and firm. The carnosity that surrounds the teeth and molars should be firm, surrounding part of the root of the tooth. The problem usually begins with a gingivitis or inflammation of the gums, where they lose the pinkish color. With time the bleeding in the daily brushing appears frequently. The evolution is usually from gingivitis to periodontitis and the last stage -if it occurs- is pyorrhea (or widespread infection) that causes the weakening of the bone with the likely fall on many occasions of the affected parts without the need to be present cavities. Aloe Vera y health The minimum annual check-ups to the dentist to consult our dental health are essential. A professional oversees supervising and applying the treatments that he considers necessary. In many occasions if an excess of tartar is detected it is necessary to proceed to a cleaning of the teeth in depth to remove that excess. But a mechanical cleaning of the teeth in depth does not ensure that the diseased gum is being cleaned due to the accumulation of tartar in it. Aloe Vera can be very useful to help improve periodontal health provided that the state of the teeth has been previously checked. It is usually a way to prevent, regenerate and eliminate bacteria that affect our gums. The anthraquinones present in Aloe Vera help us to fight the germs that can contain our teeth. Their bactericidal and analgesic action help us a lot to be able to easily fight these bacteria that can accumulate in our gums. The fluoride in toothpastes is something that sells a lot, but there are few people who need fluoride for teeth, so in periodontal or gum health have always used mouthwashes or rinses, which are bactericides to kill these bacteria that accumulate in the teeth. Aloe Vera has the advantage of being a powerful natural bactericide to kill them. Streptecocus mutans, the tartar-causing bacteria, can be combated with Aloe Vera because of the above and offers protection against caries caused by this bacterium. How to use Aloe Vera in the mouth? It can be used from the plant itself, removing the bark, cleaning well the internal gel to remove the aloin and rubbing the gel by the gums and teeth every day, then you can ingest the piece of pulp for greater benefits. You can also gargle with juices, use toothpastes that come to market with Aloe Vera, etc. Source: www.aloe-vera.es

ORAL HEALTH FROM 0 TO 3 YEARS. Tooth decay is now the most common chronic disease in childhood, a child with cavities in the temporary teeth will probably be an adult with cavities. RISK FACTORS. Insufficient oral hygiene, bottle breeding or constant breastfeeding. If a child falls asleep while being fed, it is important that parents clean their teeth immediately afterwards, introducing the clean index finger, and moving gently and circularly along the surface of the gums, their lateral faces, the inside of the cheeks, the palate and the tongue. You can also wrap your finger in a gauze, previously moistened so as not to erode its mucous membranes. It is not advisable to add sugar or honey to the bottle. When the time comes for complementary feeding, do not try your food with the cutlery you use for it, nor blow on the food to cool it. Bacteria can be transmitted from saliva and the bacterial flora of babies is different from that of adults. For the same reason, you should never try a bottle to know if it is at the right temperature or clean the pacifier with our mouth. The use of the bottle and the pacifier should be gradually abandoned around 12 months, avoiding exceeding 2 years in the case of the pacifier. ORAL HYGIENE. The earlier oral hygiene is started, the less likely it is that tooth decay will develop, this responsibility will be of the parents at least until the child acquires sufficient skill, it is considered that the child is autonomous from 7-10 years, and at this age the night brushing should be especially supervised. From the fourth month of life should begin massaging the gums, when the first teeth appear should begin with toothbrushing at least 2 times a day. A VISIT TO THE PEDIATRIC DENTIST. The child must visit the pediatric dentist after the first teeth have erupted. It is important that from an early age child are approached to the world of dentistry through games so that they understand their importance in maintaining proper oral health. In our clinics you will find pediatric dentists with a great medical formation and specialized in treatments with the children, you can make a visit with and without insurance.  Mamen Ayora Supervisora, Asisa Dental Almería Clinic

You've heard repeatedly that 'smoking seriously harms your health and especially your oral health, but do you know how? Perhaps the first answer that comes to mind is respiratory and lung problems. But there are other negative effects that are also closely linked to your oral health. When you light a cigarette, you do your mouth a disservice through various manifestations, ranging from small aesthetic changes to some types of cancer. Because the mouth is its gateway into the body, tobacco is the worst enemy of the teeth and particularly of the gums, being its harmful effects at this level very striking. This addiction directly contributes to the development of periodontal (gum) diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis, causing smokers very unpleasant and visible problems. Smoking harms your oral health and leads to dental problems, including: - Bad breath. Tobacco causes a distinct odor in addition to that produced by other substances that are added to cigarettes, such as tar and multiple additives. All this generates a characteristic odor in the breath and/or aggravates the halitosis originated by other causes. - Discoloration of the teeth the change in the color of the dentition, generally to a yellowish tone, is the most obvious and unsightly sign caused by the action of tobacco on the teeth. - Inflammation of the salivary gland openings in the roof of the mouth. - Increased accumulation of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Tobacco also affects our mouth by reducing our immune capacity, decreasing our salivary secretion and favoring the appearance of a greater number of bacteria. This makes our teeth more prone to tartar build-up and weaker when it comes to coping with bacteria. Thus, tobacco can increase the chances of suffering caries and that the aggressiveness of these may make it necessary to endodontics. - Increased bone loss in the jaw - Increased risk of leukoplakia, white spots inside the mouth - Increased risk of developing gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss. Because tobacco decreases the blood flow to the gums, they are paler in color and appear less inflamed than they are, so periodontal disease is often masked in smokers. The smoker should be aware of this particularity, visiting his dentist in a regulated way, even if he thinks his gums are fine. - Delay in the healing process after tooth extraction, periodontal treatment or oral surgery - Low success rate of dental implant procedures tobacco consumption is associated with a greater loss of bone support needed for dental implants, especially in the upper jaw area. This negatively influences the success rate of placement of dental implants that can sometimes be lost or removed due to failure in their integration. - Increased risk of developing oral cancer. - Reduction of the senses of taste and smell. We, at True Smile Works Dental Clinic will be happy to consult you and answer all your queries and concerns. For more articles, please visit: YOUR DENTIST CAN HELP YOU HAVE A NICE SMILE  FEAR OF THE DENTIST: HOW TO DEAL WITH IT?  ALOE VERA AND ITS BENEFITS FOR YOUR ORAL HEALTH

Nowadays, having a nice smile is the order of the day. Many of us go through orthodontic treatment to achieve this 'cinematic smile' but many of us find it difficult to maintain it due to the lack of use of retention. In this post we want to talk about the importance of the use of retention at the end of orthodontic treatment to prevent recurrence (unwanted movement of teeth). There are several types of retention, we will treat the most efficient and currently used as the lingual bar (fixed retention) and essix (removable aesthetic retention plate) and we will tell you the benefits and disadvantages of each of them as well as how to get a good maintenance to last if possible. ESSIX The essix is made of a thin transparent plastic material, which adapts perfectly to the teeth covering all our dental pieces. For your greater understanding we will say that it is a transparent cover that covers all your teeth. It is a removable appliance that is removed and put on, which allows us to have a better hygiene of both the mouth and the appliance. It is very IMPORTANT not to forget to put on the appliances to achieve their functionality as disuse for a long duration of days can cause the teeth to move to an unwanted position. At the end of the orthodontic treatment, the doctor will indicate the correct use of the appliance. In general, it is recommended in most cases: During the first month, it will be used 24 hours a day, except when the patient is going to eat. In the second month its use is reduced to 16 hours a day (mornings and nights or afternoons and nights) removing it only 8 hours a day. Finally, when the doctor deems it convenient, he or she will leave this retention only to sleep. LINGUAL BAR The lingual bar consists of a thin bar of fixed wire that is attached from canine to canine by the lingual (or internal) part of these teeth. As it is a fixed appliance, we do not have to worry about putting it on and taking it off as in the case of the essix, but it must be considered that it makes oral cleaning difficult and can produce plaque (tartar) or recessions of the gums. We must remember that it only goes from canine to canine not covering the molar areas so that there can be unwanted movements in these pieces of teeth making our bite may have mismatches and we do not bite.   MAINTENANCE We leave you small indications to obtain the correct use and maintenance of these retentions. In the case of Essix: The device must always be in the mouth or in its box, avoiding other places that could cause its loss or breakage. Place it with your hands and not with your teeth, this way we will prevent them from breaking. Do not eat or drink with them. Do not smoke with them Wash it with cold water (to avoid deformation) and neutral soap, using a nail brush. Dry it carefully by tapping to remove the water. Do not manipulate it. It is recommended to use disinfectant tablets periodically.     In the case of the Lingual Bar: Constant cleaning with a toothbrush after every meal. Periodic oral hygiene for a better cleaning and to avoid the accumulation of plaque. Always recommended by a doctor.          Finally, remember that the retention phase is the most important part of orthodontic treatment and ensuring that this is effective will depend 100% on you and that you use them correctly, as well as going to check-ups with your orthodontist so that he or she can check the condition of your appliances. Our advice and opinion are that the essix is the retention appliance that totally fulfils the function of keeping all the teeth in the position obtained if we are responsible and do not forget to use them. And if we want a greater security to put in addition the lingual bar like support without stopping using the essix. All this always bearing in mind that each case is unique to each patient and the doctor is the one who best knows the case and may have the right decision. The orthodontists of our clinics in Asisa Dental will be delighted to advise you and help you to achieve and maintain that MOVIE SMILE! Because at Asisa Dental what matters most to us is to make you SMILE. An article by Paloma Cabildo Plaza For more articles, please visit: DID YOU KNOW… THE HEADACHE COULD BE DUE TO A BAD BITE?SPORT POSITIVELY AFFECTS YOUR ORAL HEALTH AND VICE-VERSAHOW STRESS INFLUENCES OUR ORAL HEALTH

That's great!  In this article, we would like to share the different methods of how you could achieve a bright smile with white teeth, without harming the health of your teeth! But BEWARE, you must know how to choose the right one, we do not want to hurt the health of your teeth! You have probably noticed that your teeth or the teeth of someone you know have changed color to a more yellowish or darker shade over time. This can come from different reasons: bad eating habits, foods that stain teeth rich in colorants, wine, tea, or coffee. Unhealthy habits such as poor oral hygiene produce the accumulation of bacterial plaque and later turned into tartar or another bad habit such as smoking. Factors such as age, antibiotics, lack of enamel, excess fluoride, or mouthwashes with chlorhexidine (patients under periodontal treatment) also influence the staining of the tooth. The color of your tooth is defined by the dentine, which is an internal part of the tooth that has a yellowish color, this has sensitivity, on the other hand, we have the enamel, which covers the tooth to protect it, and is transparent and has no sensitivity, (formed mostly by a composition of calcium) is exposed to possible damage and erosion, if you damage it will produce dental sensitivity (sign that you have the dentine exposed) which must be protected. It is very important to know this when performing tooth whitening. Having white teeth is a must nowadays, that's why we find thousands of offers and varieties in the market such as whitening toothpaste, whitening agents, or what is now very fashionable, bloggers (YouTubers) who teach how to whiten your teeth with homemade methods, etc. These are not always good advice, as they can damage your enamel and not reach the desired color. Whitening toothpaste promise very good results with their use, but the truth is that whitening toothpaste manages to clean and brighten your teeth, they have a superficial lightening effect, they do not change the natural color of your tooth. The Whitening Agents are very good, it is necessary to know which is the correct one, they come in several gel formats, dental strips or covers, ambulatory treatment or treatment in consultation. It is very important to put yourself in the hands of a specialist, to advise you which is right for your needs, know the right amounts and not damage your enamel, gums, and mucous membranes.  Home methods are very dangerous, mostly because the main ingredient in these methods is bicarbonate. This is a salt, and as such is formed by tiny crystals that if we mix it with water and rub it on our teeth can scratch our enamel (it does not regenerate). Acids are also prone to enamel wear. Like lemon juice or very acidic fruits. If you do this at home repeatedly you will see a slight result in the short term, this result is due to tooth enamel wear, but in the long term, it is very harmful to health. With all this information, we would like to point out that, many offers of miracle products or home remedies might help you to achieve bright smile and white teeth for a short time, but we want you to have a radiant, white and above all very healthy smile. Visit True Smile Works Dental Clinic at Marsa Plaza, Dubai Festival City for consultation and check-up. Your oral health will thank you. For more articles, please visit: HOW STRESS INFLUENCES OUR ORAL HEALTH MY MOUTH SMELLS BAD! HALITOSIS: CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS HOW TO KEEP YOUR SMILE HEALTHY AND BRIGHT?

Everybody loves the fresh feeling they experience after going to the dentist for a teeth cleaning. But how do you maintain that feeling until your next visit? It’s not as difficult as you think. Follow these simple dental care habits to keep healthy and bright smile and oral health in great condition and be always mindful of your daily habits. Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth. The general recommendation is to brush twice a day, but especially at night to remove germs and plaque that have accumulated throughout the day. Keep in mind to use proper brushing technique - it doesn’t matter the number of times you brush per day if you are not doing it properly! Observe your technique - are you brushing at a 45 degrees angle towards your gums as your dentist advised you? Are you using small, circular movements with your brush head? Are you taking 2 minutes to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the back ones, as well as your tongue? Watch dental videos about proper technique or simply ask your dentist at your next visit. And don’t forget to use fluoridated toothpaste to help remineralize your enamel and make it stronger! Don’t let flossing difficulties stop you. It will be hard if you don’t practice daily like anything else you do! Simply keep in mind that the toothbrush bristles cannot enter those tight spaces in-between your teeth and therefore, this is where flossing plays a major role! By maintaining proper flossing technique, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy – this really is a way to stimulate your gums, reduce plaque, and keep inflammation at a low! Floss in front of a mirror to ensure you are doing it correctly, be gentle, and take it one tooth at a time. Consider using mouthwash. Firstly, don’t overdo it – it doesn’t clean your teeth but rather, alongside brushing and flossing, reduces the amount of acid in your mouth and helps to remineralize teeth. Ask your dentist for specific mouthwash recommendations for you. Don’t overdo it. Many people think that using a hard toothbrush or brushing aggressively will keep your teeth cleaner – this actually causes more damage in the long run! Aggressive brushing leads to more porous and sensitive teeth and receding gums – which is irreversible. Be gentle – it’s all in the technique and remember to use a soft toothbrush always. Drink more water and ditch soda and fruit juices. Drinking water after every meal can help wash out some of the sticky foods or acidic drinks on your teeth. Acids in certain drinks can soften tooth enamel, making them more porous and eventually yellower and more sensitive with time. Cut down on sugar. Bacteria in dental plaque change sugars into acids which eat away the tooth enamel, leading to cavities – enjoy your sweets but just be mindful of the frequency and quantity Quit smoking. The tar and nicotine in tobacco increases the risk of many diseases, including gum disease and tooth loss, and causes brownish stains to form on your teeth. This is not to mention the effects that smoking has on your overall health. You can always discuss with your dentist ways to reduce or stop smoking altogether for a healthier lifestyle. Chew sugar-free gum. It may be ideal to brush after every meal but not practical - you can simply rinse with water or chew sugar-free gum for a few minutes. This will stimulate saliva production and boost its antibacterial properties, rinsing out your mouth and reducing the risk of dental decay. Eat ‘detergent’ foods. While sugar and soda can negatively impact your teeth, there are foods that actually clean your teeth while you eat and help cut down plaque. Firm and crunchy foods, such as apples, celery, and popcorn are such examples. But remember, there is no substitute for brushing! Avoid using your teeth as tools.  Teeth are meant for chewing and looking nice - do not use them as tools to rip open packaging, open bottles or crack nutshells - you risk chipping or breaking your teeth! In addition to being mindful of the tips above, there are a few things you can do to make your teeth stay healthy, bright,white and radiant: Go on a “white-teeth” diet. Be aware of what you eat or drink – consumables such as coffee, tea, ketchup or soy sauce, contain dark pigments called chromogens, which attach to your white tooth enamel and create stains.  Make it a habit to rinse with water after having anything ’colored’ – this way, you can reduce the contact time, clear your saliva, and keep your smile brighter. Brush with baking soda once or twice a week. By mixing a bit with water, you can form a paste which will help remove stains and whiten your teeth. Camouflage. If you wear lipstick, choose blue-toned reds or pinks – blue tones counteract yellow and make your smile appear brighter  Can I skip the dentist altogether then? Since you know now how to better care for your teeth and gums, this still doesn’t eliminate the need to visit the dentist at least twice a year for a routine check-up and cleaning. During your visit dentist will do the followings: examine your teeth and mouth, and provide you with a professional dental cleaning in order to remove the plaque and tartar build-up in those difficult-to-reach spots that have accumulated over time. Oral hygiene instructions will be reviewed and any questions you may have about your oral health will be addressed. Remember, not prioritizing your dental hygiene can have pretty serious consequences. Poor oral care puts you at risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss, and can have quite an impact on your overall health. Complications of illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease have been associated with inadequate oral hygiene. Remember, early detection and treatment of problems with your teeth and gums and maintaining good daily oral care habits at home can ensure a lifetime of great oral health. Do not hesitate to visit us, at True Smile Works dental clinic at Marsa Plaza, Dubai Festival City. I will be delighted to advise and help you to achieve as well as maintain a healthy and bright SMILE! Article by By Dr. Layal Ksaybi For more articles, please visit: YOUR DENTIST CAN HELP YOU HAVE A NICE SMILE FEAR OF THE DENTIST: HOW TO DEAL WITH IT? ALOE VERA AND ITS BENEFITS FOR YOUR ORAL HEALTH

Numerous patients explain that their fear of the dentist is the result of bad experience they had encountered during their childhood or some painful treatments in the past. Other consequences are psychological and do not respond to traumatic experiences. In both cases, there are always techniques that can bring the patient closer to the doctor, making him or her trust in the dental team and step-by-step become familiar with the working techniques employed. In the case of children, both dentists and parents are responsible to ensure that the child has good dental care experiences.  Parents with a good oral care knowledge should communicate to their children the importance of developing hygiene habits from the earliest age. This can be achieved by making brushing the teeth as a family moment and reviewing their brushing at the end. As for the dentists using positive language and phrases such as "Everything is going to be fine...", "You're behaving phenomenally...", "We'll finish right away...", "You're going to get a prize" would help to ease the child. In the case of adults, establishing good communication between the patient and the dentist is very important. The dentist should explain in details the treatment to be carried out, its duration and what the patient will feel during the procedure, helped by the hygienist who should clarify any remaining doubts. The more information the patients have, more relaxed and comfortable they feel at the dentist. At True Smile Works we want you to trust your dentist and help you to get over your fear of the dentist. We strive to provide an excellent service in terms of quality of work and to make the whole experience a positive one overall. Do you want to come over and check it out? Clinic Coordinator For more articles, please visit: S.O.S: LINGUAL BAR OR ESSIX HAVE YOU TURNED 60? DO YOU KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH? WHY SHOULD WE HAVE DENTAL X-RAYS?

Without question, social media is transforming the health and beauty industry. It is amazing how easy it is today to keep up to date with what’s going on in the world, discover new trends and reconnect with old friends. While it seems that the endless scrolling through “perfect” lifestyles may not necessarily impact one’s mental health and wellbeing in a positive way, wanting to look better in selfies, Instagram and other social channels have motivated patients to seek their dentist about having straighter, whiter teeth and a healthier smile. However, a major smile makeover may not be the only option – more people are seeking natural-looking teeth, and therefore, even a small adjustment or enhancement by your dentist can make you want to show off your teeth more. There have been many advances in the field of cosmetic dentistry, which primarily focus on improving the existing dental esthetics in color, shape, size, position and overall smile appearance, and consequently, boost your self-esteem and improves your overall wellbeing. There are many cosmetic procedures that can be done to enhance your smile such as cosmetic veneers, teeth whitening, dental implants – it really depends on the existing condition of the teeth and gums, which can be evaluated by your dentist. -       Cosmetic bonding: This option is among the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures. It involves using esthetic, yet durable, tooth-colored material on your natural teeth, and sculpting it in a way to close small gaps or to improve the appearance of discolored or chipped teeth. However, it is important to note that teeth need to be fairly straight for this option to work and that bonding isn’t as strong or durable when compared to porcelain veneers or to your own natural teeth. Porcelain veneers -       Cosmetic veneers: These are ultra-thin, custom-made ceramic or porcelain laminates that are bonded directly onto your teeth after some level of tooth reduction – similar to “shellac” but for teeth. Cosmetic veneers are mostly used on teeth that are chipped, discolored, or unevenly spaced out, or on teeth that do not respond well to laser whitening. Porcelain veneers require more than one visit, as they are fabricated in a dental laboratory, and have a longer life expectancy and color stability when compared to bonding. -       Cosmetic contouring: This involves simply reshaping or “filing” the teeth – targets unevenness, small chips, different tooth lengths, and slightly overlapping edges. It is quite a conservative option and no local anesthetic is used. However, there are limitations to consider and not everyone is a suitable candidate.  Teeth whitening -       Tooth whitening: Professional tooth whitening solutions enable patients to brighten their smiles with minimal risk of tooth sensitivity. This quite common dental procedure, aka as bleaching, is performed either at the dental office or at home, using a high concentration of peroxide. Your dentist will check your teeth first and evaluate whether you are a candidate and the utmost care is taken when the procedure is done in order to protect your tooth enamel and gums. The most effective results are mostly obtained using laser whitening under the supervision of your dentist. Clear aligners -       Aesthetic alignment or Adult orthodontics: When it comes to straightening your teeth, there isn’t really an age limit. There’s been a move recently towards conservatively enhancing your smile through straightening them, instead of going for more invasive procedures like veneers. Clear aligners have been great in treating a majority of teeth crowding, spacing or overlapping teeth cases, but sometimes conventional braces may need to be used. For more complex cases, clear brackets or lingual braces are available today, which aren’t very obvious yet are quite efficient. -       Dental implants: Dental implants have become a more desirable alternative to replacing missing teeth when compared to conventional bridges, especially as they are now indistinguishable from natural teeth. This natural-looking option is built to last, preserves remaining teeth and bone, and leads to overall improved quality of life. Dental implants help maintain a youthful appearance, as lost teeth and bone make the face look older. -       Laser gum contouring: This is a cosmetic dental procedure that gently raises and sculpts the gum line using a diode laser – this is done to create the appearance of longer or symmetrical teeth. This procedure also helps patients whose gums cover too many teeth due to genetics or certain prescription medications. With little or no local anesthesia needed, it is a quick, minimal pain option when compared to standard dental treatments using the blade. We're all meant to smile. Yet a lot of us are self-conscious about our teeth and are not that good at looking after them. Myself and my colleagues at True Smile Works Dental Clinic can easily help you address concerns such as crooked or crowded teeth, chips, and gaps in your smile, stained or worn-down teeth, as well as missing teeth. The bottom line is that there are many minimally invasive cosmetic dental treatment options that can be discussed to improve your smile in a beautiful and natural way. Do not hesitate to visit us for consultation. Article was prepared by Dr. Layal Ksaybi, DMD, Canada. For more articles, please visit: HOW TO KEEP YOUR SMILE HEALTHY AND BRIGHT? DO YOU WANT TO HAVE A BRIGHT SMILE WITH WHITE TEETH THIS SUMMER? S.O.S.: LINGUAL BAR OR ESSIX

True Smile Works Dental Network provides international dental services, that concentrate on quality, integrity and world-class offering. We think they are great because they do not only focus on the results of the treatment, but also on the post-treatment effects, follow-ups, and necessary assistance that can help the patient. A fun fact about them is that they are a joint venture between Faisal Holding and the Asisa Group. Which means they have over 50 dental clinics in five countries. They are one of the clinics we can recommend because of how wide their services are. From oral surgery, prosthodontics, orthodontics, to general, cosmetic, and children’s dentistry, they got you. We love them because they offer Easy Payment Plans on dental treatments valued at AED 1,000 or more for a 3, 6, or 12 months period. The banks they are in partnership with are ADCB, FAB, Emirates Islamic, and Spotii.

Have you heard about veneers? What about Hollywood smile? Well, if you have not heard or if you heard but you want to know a bit more about it, read this article carefully. Veneers are thin caps placed at the visible portion of the teeth and that became very popular among Hollywood stars. Not all the veneers are designed with Hollywood features (symmetric teeth with extremely white and even shade) and they can be done out of different types of material. Ceramics are the most commonly used and traditional materials and can be produced in different ways from old fashion prosthesis labs or high tech computer assisted systems. This kind of material requires in general a tooth mechanical preparation where some of the tooth structure is worn out, followed by an impression or scan of the patient’s teeth, which is then forwarded to a lab for models and finally restoration manufacturing. The restorations indirectly produced are then cemented over the patients’ teeth. Composites are on the other hand biocompatible materials which have evolved very much over the last decade. With unique properties that mimetic teeth mechanical and optical behaviour can reproduce with high accuracy patients’ teeth providing cosmetics and function. These materials rely on acid treatment of the tooth surface followed by bonding to stick to the teeth directly dismissing the need for third party laboratory work. Both materials have pros and cons and this way the advice from a qualified dentist is paramount to choose which material is best for you. Multiple factors must be taken into consideration before proceeding with any cosmetic treatment like bruxism (clenching or grinding), patient’s age, oral hygiene habits, gingival health and more. The composites are extremely conservative as in general, no teeth structure is lost by preoperative preparation, the material is biocompatible, resistant and provides excellent aesthetics. The procedure is straightforward and can be finalized in one session. The downside of this approach is the chair time and technique are very sensible to the operator’s technique mastering. The ceramics on the other hand provide also provide excellent aesthetic results and have more predictable results as before cementation patients can try in the pieces. Operator skills are also a must and in most cases, teeth preparation is needed and tooth structure is consequently lost. Considering what has been said it is very clear that looking for a highly qualified professional to assess your case and show the most suitable options for you is fundamental. Knowledge is the key so if you have any queries feel free to consult your trusted dentist.